Introduction: Significance of Japan’s International Cooperation
The total amount of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) gross disbursements in 2020 was approximately $20,304.03 million (¥2,167.7 billion). There are various domestic issues to address, such as the response to COVID-19, the low fertility and population aging, and disaster recovery and disaster risk reduction, which have had a significant impact on Japan’s public finances and the economic lives of its citizens. Under such circumstances, why does Japan support developing countries through ODA?
After World War II, Japan came back from the ruins and rebuilt itself. In the course of reconstruction and economic growth to join the ranks of developed countries, Japan received support from the United States and other developed countries as well as international organizations such as the World Bank. Basic infrastructures, which were essential for the reconstruction and development of Japan including the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Tomei Expressway, the Kurobe Dam, and the Aichi Canal Project, were built using such support. Japan has been supporting the economic development of developing countries by utilizing ODA as a nation that gained an honorable position in the international community. There are high expectations for Japan from various countries around the world in this regard.
As we turn our eyes to the world, global issues such as climate change, natural disasters, environmental problems, infectious diseases, and refugees among others are piled up and getting more serious. Their impacts do not stay in a country but spread across the world. In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the international community has been promoting initiatives to build a society where “no one will be left behind” by 2030. With deeper interdependence of the international community, our contribution to the growth of developing countries through ODA serves for the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community, which, in return, also leads to the advancement of interests for Japanese citizens. For example, our contribution toward ending the global spread of COVID-19 through vaccine donations to developing countries and the development of cold chain systems, etc., under the “Last One Mile Support” not only helps achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and the recovery of the world economy, but also leads to reducing infection risks within Japan and to the recovery of the Japanese economy. In addition, our support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or marine plastic litter in developing countries greatly contributes to improving the environment surrounding Japan. Furthermore, Japan’s efforts to foster industries in developing countries support the overseas expansion of Japanese business. In addition, these efforts, for example, enable exports of a variety of marine products from developing countries to Japan, providing a rich array of food to our dinner tables.
Over 65 years have passed since Japan started to provide ODA. Our assistance and human resources development in various fields through ODA have now gained the trust to Japan as we receive many words of appreciation and gratitude from developing countries. Japan has also received many condolences and support from abroad, including developing countries, for example, following the Great East Japan Earthquake or disasters in recent years. Since ODA is implemented using precious tax revenues, it should be appropriately utilized and put to use for developing countries. On this principle, Japan will continue to provide development cooperation while collaborating with various stakeholders around the world to address global issues so that such effort will enhance Japan’s peace, security, and prosperity.
